APPLAUD STEP

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee applauds the announcement by Secretary of State George Shultz that the U.S. has agreed to establish substantive dialogue with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). We applaud this historic breakthrough by the U.S. government. This decision suggests that the U.S. position has evolved toward a more even-handed policy regarding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict which respects the rights of both parties.

Just as the Reagan administration has grasped the PLO`s extended hand of peace, as Arab-Americans we extend our hands to American Jewish leaders. We invite them to work with us to support this significant movement toward peace, a movement so vital to the well-being of Palestinians, Israelis and the world community.

The historic steps taken by the PLO, the United Nations and now the Reagan administration have presented Israel with a challenge and an opportunity to resolve this long and tragic conflict. We urge our government to use its special relationship with the Israeli government to persuade it to enter into direct negotiations with the PLO.